“(Martial) Art Imitating Life,” by Felicia H.

“Whenever a person who is brand-spanking new to martial arts comes into the dojo and we start with the basic hand and foot positions, I am the first one to encourage them to scream – loud, often and like a banshee – because their lives could someday depend on it. Especially with children, I let them know that an evil-doer trying to get them to go ‘away’ by force wants them to remain as quiet as possible. Never let them stun you into silence because using your voice is a way of fighting back.”